When do you know when Lady’s mantle is ready? Does it need to flower first? How do you use this plant -- as a tea perhaps?

Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) is used medicinally as an astringent (drying) remedy and to stop bleeding, in cases of intestinal inflammation, bleeding of the womb between periods, and to stop bleeding of external wounds.

The leaves can be picked to use in teas at any time, but the actions of Lady’s mantle are most powerful when the herb is in flower. If you are drying the herb for future use, harvest in its early flowering days.

To make a tea, steep 2 tablespoons of fresh herb (2 teaspoons of dried herb) per cup of boiling water for 15 minutes.

Lady’s mantle is also used as a douche in cases of vaginal inflammation or yeast infection. Steep 60 grams of dried lady’s mantle leaves in one litre of boiling water for 30 minutes, and inject while the infusion is warm.